Automatic washing device



Nov. 23, 1965 J. BATTISTA AUTOMATIC WASHING DEVICE 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 24, 1963 INVENTOR. J 45 7 775 74 B35 ,4 7'7'0f/VE' Nov. 23, 1965 J. BATTISTA AUTOMATIC WASHING DEVICE 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July 24, 1963 INVENTOR. J 5,47'7/57'4 BY W United States Patent 3,218,663 AUTOMATIC WASHING DEVICE Joseph Battista, 2818 N. Mulligan Ave., Chicago, Ill. Filed July 24, 1963, Ser. No. 297,371 Claims. (Cl. -25011) This invention relates in general to automatic washing devices and in particular to a washing device which automatically executes a series of planned movements in systematically washing a large and substantially flat surface such as a window, wall or ceiling. Its principal object is to provide a new and improved washing device of the above character which is easy to place in operating condition, is simple to control and is reliable in operation.

Automatic window washing devices and the like are known which continually travel back and forth as the device traverses a set of rails or guide bars previously installed for guiding the movement of the device. These known devices have the disadvantage that they are only suitable for use on windows or areas having a predetermined width and then only in those areas which have fixed rails or guides for controlling the movement of the washing device. Thus, these prior art devices require expensive guide rail installations and are practical only for commercial use since the cost of such systems are prohibitive to the average homeowner.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a fully automatic washing device which can wash a wide variety of different-sized windows, walls or ceilings without the need for special rails or guides.

Another object is to provide an automatic washing device requiring a minimum of supervision since the device when placed in starting position and energized, executes a series of controlled movements completely washing a predetermined area, and after returning to start position, automatically comes to a stop.

Still another object is to provide an automatic washing device which insures that the entire surface is washed, even though the device reaches the normal stopping point before the washing operation is completed. This is accomplished by controlling the device to execute an addition sequence of operations.

Still a further object is to provide an automatic washing device which automatically Washes the entire predetermined surface irrespective of the ratio between length and width dimensions of the surface being washed.

A feature related to the above object is concerned with the provision of limit controls which sense the outside boundaries of the surface being washed and automatically cause a change in direction of the washing device to restrict its movements to the predetermined area being cleaned.

Another object is to provide an automatic washing device which performs a series of reciprocating move ments with a predetermined displacement being elfected between each change of direction in movement.

A feature concerned with the immediately preceding object resides in the arrangement wherein the washing element of the washing device is automatically removed from the surface being washed during the said displacement.

A still further object is to provide an automatic washing device which is adapted to selectively receive any one of a variety of different-sized washing heads and which is arranged to cause the noted displacement to vary in accordance with the size of the washing head being used.

Other objects and features are concerned with the provision of a self-contained pressure controlled reservoir system, and of a squeegee arrangement wherein a wiping action occurs during both the noted reciprocating movements and the noted displacement.

Still other objects and features of the invention will 3,218,663 Patented Nov. 23, 1965 become apparent and the invention will be best understood when the specification is read in conjunction with the drawings comprising FIGS. 1 to 8 in which:

FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of the inventive automatic washing device mounted in operating position adjacent a window being washed.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show a rear and sectional top view, respectively, of the washing element or head of the inventive device as positioned in FIG. 1. FIG. 2a shows one of the four wiping elements or squeegees which are located around the periphery of the washing element to wipe excess water from the surface being washed as the washing element is moved.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show a front and sectional side view respectively of the central control mechanism of FIG. 1 with the outer housing removed.

FIG. 6 shows a circuit diagram of the electrical control portion of the automatic washing device; and

FIGS. 7 and 8 show plotting of the course followed by the inventive device in washing a predetermined area together with switching sequence data indicative of the operated and non-operated condition of the active elements of FIG. 6 of the drawings.

Referring now to FIG. 1 of the drawings, a brief description will be given of the inventive device and its operation in washing a predetermined area. While the washing device is shown associated with a window it is to be understood that it would work equally well on any relatively fiat surface such as a wall or ceiling. Also, while the area to be washed is disclosed as a substantially square area, the inventive device will wash a rectangle area in a similar manner.

The automatic washing device comprises a rectangular or square support rod 1 having an upper clamping portion 2 and an adjustable lower clamping portion 3. A central control assembly 4 is mounted on the support rod 1 for step-by-step movement along the length of the rod in either an upward or downward direction.

A telescoping extension arm 5 comprises three sections, 8, 9 and 10 with section 10 being rigidly secured to the central control assembly 4 and section 8 being secured to the washing unit 6. As will appear later, guide pins in section 8 preclude rotational movement of the washing unit with respect to the telescoping extension arm. Also selectively operable solenoid means is provided to control the movement of the washing unit toward and away from the surface being washed.

A group of four electrical switches S1 to S4 are located on respective sides of the washing unit 6 and perform a sensing operation when the unit 6 reaches the limits of the area being washed. The unit 6 also includes a pair of driving wheels (not shown in FIG. 1) which selectively propel the unit 6 toward and away from the central control assembly.

The power for driving the wheels is received from the central control assembly 4 over a flexible shaft which is housed in a control cable 7. Cable 7 also contains the control wires for the four switches and noted solenoid means.

The automatic washing device is positioned by mounting the upper clamp portion 2 against an upper frame member of the window to be washed. This clamp may be mounted on a window or other fixed support which is adjacent the window being washed. The lower clamp portion 3 is positioned against a lower frame member directly below the upper clamp portion 2 in order to maintain the support rod 1 in a true vertical position. The lower clamp portion may be of any well-known clamp type which contains selectively adjustable means for rigidly securing the support rod in position. In the case of the washing device being used on walls, the clamp portions could com- E; prise floor and ceiling plates with threaded rod-lengthening elements being associated therewith. Similar known arrangements could be utilized when the device is used for washing ceilings.

In operation for washing the Window disclosed in FIG. 1, the central control assembly 4 is positioned to bring the washing unit 6 to the lowest point of the area to be washed. Also, the telescoping extension arm is collapsed to bring the washing unit 6 to the position within the area to be washed which is closest to the central control assembly. In this position, the .washing unit would be at point A, the lower right-hand corner of the area to be washed. At this time, a main power switch is operated and the washing unit follows the course indicated by the arrows in FIG. 1 until it reaches point Y at which time the unit automatically comes to a complete stop.

As will be described in detail hereinafter, during all movements along the vertical, the flexible shaft will not rotate and the main portions of the washing unit will be out of contact with the surface to be washed, while during all movements along the horizontal, the flexible cable is rotating and the washing unit is in contact with the surface to be washed.

After the washing unit has completed one circuit of the plotted course and has come to a rest, the operator moves the device to the next window.

Referring noW to FIGS. 2 and 3 of the drawings, the washing unit 6 will be described.

The unit 6 comprises a housing 35 which is secured to solenoid plunger 30 and with the main portion of the solenoid SL1 being secured to telescoping section 8. A compression-type coil spring .29 encircles the plunger and normally maintains housing 6 a predetermined distance from the telescoping extension arm sections. A pair of guide pins 28 are rigidly secured to telescoping section 8 and pass through guiding apertures in housing 6. These pins preclude rotational movement of housing 6 and contain stops at the ends thereof to prevent separation of the unit 6 from the extension arm section 8.

When solenoid SL1 is energized, the plunger is withdrawn into the main portion of the solenoid winding, causing the further compression of spring 29 and the movement of housing 6 toward telescoping section 8. When the solenoid" SL1 is de-energized, the spring 29 moves the housing back to its disclosed position against the guide pin stops.

A supporting plate 18 extends across the interior of housing 6 and rotatably supports four brushes 11 each containing a hollow axle 33 and a small spur gear 17. The

brushes are held in rotatable position by fixed spacers 19.

A large spur gear 12, rigidly secured to an axle 36, is rotatably positioned on plate 18 such that the teeth of the large spur gear 12 engage the teeth of each of the small spur gears 17. The axle 36 has another spur gear 21 rigidly secured thereon which meshes with a still further spur gear 22 which is rigidly secured to flexible shaft 37. The axle 36 also contains a worm gear portion which meshes with another worm gear portion on wheel axle 38. This worm gear assembly 14 when activated, causes rotation of the wheels 13 which are rigidly secured to rotatable axle 38. The direction of rotation of the wheels 13 is a function of the direction of rotation of the flexible drive shaft 37. The noted gears are so related that rotation of the flexible shaft 37 causes rotation of all four brushes 11 and the rotation of the wheels 13 simultaneously.

A cleaning fluid reservoir 25 is positioned within housing 6 with an inlet 26 extending outside of the housing to permit the filling of the reservoir. One end of the reservoir contains an impelled (not shown) which is actuated by the spur gearcombination 23 and 24 which are rotated by the noted flexible shaft 37. The output of the reservoir feeds into four pressure pipes 27 interconnecting the reservoir with the hollow axle 33 of each brush 11. These pipes 27 contain small pin-point apertures which direct a small stream of cleaning liquid through the hollow shaft to the surface being washed as long as shaft 37 is rotating. When the impeller stops rotating, as a result of shaft 37 coming to a stop as noted, only small drops of liquid pass through the .pipes 27.

The housing 6 also contains a set of four squeegees 16 which are positioned to abut the surface being washed while the brushes 11 are in contact with the surface. These squeegees function to wipe all excess water from the surface just Washed.

As shown in FIG. 2a, the top squeegee, the one positioned adjacent switch S3, is spring loaded by springs 32 and remains in wiping contact with the surface being washed when the housing is moved away from the surface by operation of the solenoid means. This particular squeegee contains slotted apertures which permit the movement of the squeegee past supporting pins 39 a distance equal to the distance that plunger 30 of solenoid SL1 travels. This upper squeegee continues to perform a wiping function during the interval that the housing 6 is away from the surface being washed and is being moved down along the indicated course shown in FIG. 1.

Each corner of the bottom portion of the housing contains a sponge 31 or similar device for performing a rubbing action as the housing is moved. These sponges 31 insure that the corners of the area being washed are cleansed by a rubbing action since the round brushes can not reach the noted corners.

A closed conduit 15 extends around the outside periphery of housing 6 near its bottom portion and supports the switches S1 to S4 and associated wiring in a watertight manner to preclude the possibility of electrical shortcircuits.

The operation of the above-described washing unit will be explained in detail in connection with the description of FIGS. 6 through 8.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, the central control assembly will be described.

FIG. 4 is the front view of the central control unit 4 of FIG. 1 with the housing removed and FIG. 5 is a side view of the mechanism of FIG. 4 having certain portions cut away to more clearly show the relationship between the various components.

A rectangular housing 59, enclosing the vertical support rod 1, is arranged for movement along the length of rod 1. A housing 40, rigidly secured to housing 59, includes an electric motor M which can be selectively rotated in either direction. A pair of tapered friction drive wheels 41 and 42 are connected to motor M by respective rotatable shafts 43 and 44. Another pair of tapered friction drive wheels 45 and 46 are rotatably mounted on housing 40. Wheel 45 transmits a rotational drive to flexible shaft 37 which is connected directly thereto. Wheel 46 is securely connected to axle 47 which is rotatably mounted between one side of housing and support flange 49 rigidly secured to the upper portion of housing 40. A sprocket wheel 48 is securely connected to shaft 47 and with the teeth on the sprocket 48 extending through an aperture in the housing 40 to engage corresponding spaced apertures in the rectangular support rod 1.

A third rotatable shaft 52 lies parallel to and midway between the aforementioned shafts 43, 44 and 47. Shaft 52 is arranged for limited long-titudinal movement in addition to its rotational movement. A pair of tapered idler wheels 50 and 51 are rigidly secured to shaft 52, a predetermined distance apart such that only one of them can come into alignment with the associated wheels 41, and 42, 46 at any one time. These tapered wheels and 51 are so dimensioned that when idler wheel 50 is in a1ignment with wheels 41 and 45, rotation of wheel 41 is imparted to wheel 45 through the medium of idler wheel 50. Similarly, idler wheel 51, when in alignment with wheels 42 and 46, imparts any rotational movement of Wheel 42 to wheel 46.

A solenoid SL2 is secured to housing 40 and includes a solenoid plunger 55 having a U-shaped upright yoke 54 secured to its remote end and having a substantially flat locking bar 56 rigidly secured immediate its ends. Locking bar 56 lies against the bottom of housing 40 and is held in sliding position by rigidly mounted stud 57 extending through the slotted aperture 61 of the locking bar. The remote end of the locking bar 56 normally lies between the interior bottom of housing 40 and the teeth of sprocket wheel 48 to preclude sprocke wheel 48 from rotating.

The axle 52 contains a pair of collars 53 fixedly secured to the axle 52 to define a recess which is positioned within the legs of the noted U-shaped upright yoke 54.

A circular compression spring 58 encircles plunger 55 and abuts against the solenoid coil and the locking bar 56. Spring 58 is under compression and constantly urges shaft 52 in its extreme left-hand position.

Housing 40 also includes a pair of brackets 60 rigidly secured to the back of the housing 48 on both sides of rectangular housing 59. The telescoping member is fixedly secured to these brackets.

The operation of the above-described central control assembly will now be described.

When motor M is energized, it imparts rotation to wheels 41 and 42. With solenoid SL2 de-energized as shown, idler wheel 59 imparts rotation to wheel 45 which causes flexible shaft 37 to rotate and operate the washing unit 6 heretofore described. When the direction of rotation of motor M is reversed, the direction of rotation of flexible shaft 37 is reversed. During the described operation of motor M, the position of central control assembly on support rod 1 remains constant.

Assume now that motor M is rotating in the forward direction and solenoid SL2 is just energized. When the plunger 55 is moved toward the solenoid coil, spring 58 is further compressed, idler wheel 50 moves out of contact with wheels 41 and 45, and idler wheel 51 moves into contact with both wheels 42 and 46. At the same time, locking bar 56 is moved out of association with the teeth of sprocket wheel 48. Under these conditions, rotation of wheel 45 and associated drive cable 37 ceases, and rotation of wheel 46 commences. As Wheel 46 rotates sprocket wheel 48 is caused to rotate and move the entire central control assembly longitudinally along support rod 1 until solenoid SL2 is de-energized. When solenoid SL2 is de-energized, spring 58 returns idler wheel 50 into association with drive wheels 41 and 45 and also moves locking bar 56 into locking engagement with the teeth on the sprocket wheel 48.

If the direction of rotation of the motor M is reversed and solenoid SL2 is simultaneously energized or if it is reversed during the time solenoid SL2 is energized, the wheel 46 and sprocket wheel 48 rotate in the reverse direction causing the entire central control assembly to reverse direction of movement along support rod 1.

From the foregoing it can be seen that flexible shaft 37 can be caused to selectively rotate in either direction while the central control assembly remains stationary or that the entire control assembly can be selectively moved upwards or downwards While control shaft 37 is stationary.

While the drive wheels and idler wheels are shown as tapered friction-type wheels, it is clear that numerous other types of drives could be used without departing from the scope of the invention. Similarly, various stepping mechanisms and locking arrangements could be substituted for the sprocket and locking bar assembly disclosed.

The cooperation between the washing unit of FIGS. 2 and 3 and the control assembly of FIGS. 4 and 5 will be best understood from the following description of FIGS. 6 to 8.

The control circuitry for controlling the automatic washing device cause it to follow the plotted course as shown in FIG. 1. This control circuitry contains the 6 noted four switches S1 to S4, four electromagnetic relays A to D, a pair of solenoids SL1 and SL2 and a motor M. Solenoid SL1 and the four switches are the only components mounted in or on the Washing unit, all other components being located in the central control assembly 4.

It is to be noted that switches S1 and S3 are push-type snap-on and snap-off switches which lock in respective on and off positions in response to two successive pushes or depressions of the switch levers. The other switches S2 and S4 remain operated only as long as the switch levers are pushed or depressed.

It has been chosen to illustrate the control circuitry as utilizing direct current power. However, it is to be understood that commercial alternating current power or other power sources could easily be substituted for the disclosed power. Also, for purposes of clarity, motor M is shown only symbolically as having reverse and forward sections which are selectively energized.

A main power switch may be provided on the central control assembly which controls the application of power to the disclosed circuitry. However, the showing of such power sources and switches have been omitted for reasons of brevity.

In order to facilitate the understanding of the invention, the operation of the control circuitry of FIG. 6 will be described in conjunction with FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG. 7 shows the plotted course of the washing unit when the height of the surface being washed is such that the washing unit will first reach the lowest limit at a point remote from the starting point. FIG. 8 shows that portion of the course of FIG. 7 where the washing unit first reaches the lowest limit of the area to be washed at the same point from which the unit started. In the latter situation, a small section of the area to be washed will have been omitted and the unit will have to complete an additional operation. The control circuitry will first be described in conjunction with FIG. 7.

The central control assembly may be caused to move downwardly to its lowermost position by selectively operating key K which energizes the solenoids and the forward winding of motor M. Thereafter, the washing unit is manually moved to the lower righthand portion of the area to be washed which is point A in FIG. 7.

The coding for the parenthetical data associated with each of the points on the plotted course shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 is as follows:

R -Motor rotating in the reverse direction F Motor rotating in the forward direction OFF Both solenoids SL1 and SL2 unoperated ON -Both solenoids SL1 and SL2 operated The numerals 1 to 4 correspond to the switches S1 to S4 respectively and the capital letters correspond to the respective relay designations.

When the washing unit is so positioned, switches S1 and S2 are actuated by contacting the bottom and lower right side of the window being washed. At this time, the noted main power switch is operated and an operating circuit is closed for relay A from ground at contacts S1 of switch S1, and for relays C and D from ground at contacts S3 of switch S3, through front contacts S2.; of switch S2, back contacts A of relay A to master ground wire MG, through contacts S1 of switch S1 and contacts S2 of switch S2. At this point the operating circuit goes directly to the winding of relay C and through one of the three resistances R1 to R3 to the winding of relay D. An operating circuit for solenoids SL1 and SL2 is complete from the noted master ground wire MG through break contacts S3 of switch S3.

Relay A operates and locks operated to ground at contacts S2 of switch S2, solenoids SL1 and SL2 operate, and relay C operates. Master ground is now placed on wire MG from make contacts A of relay A and is extended through contacts S2 of switch S2 and break con 7 tacts B of relay B to energize the reverse winding of motor M.

When motor M rotates in the reverse direction and solenoids SL1 and SL2 are operated, the washing unit is removed from the surface to be washed and the entire central control assembly is caused to advance upwardly along support bar 1. Locking switch S1 remains operated.

As noted, the automatic washing device may be one of several sizes depending on the area of the surface being washed. To compensate for these various sizes, the circuit of relay D includes a three-position switch which can place any one of three different-valued resistances in series with relay D. Relay D is a slow-operate relay whose delay time is further increased by the noted resistances R1 to R3. The particular resistance selected will correspond to the size of the washing head being used in order to cause the vertical displacement shown on the plotted course to vary accordingly. Even though relay D was energized at the same time that motor M and solenoids SL1 and SL2 were energized, its operation is delayed a predetermined interval which permits the washing unit to reach point B of FIG. 7 before its operation. At point B, the operation of relay D is of no consequence and the central control assembly advances the washing unit to point C.

When the Washing unit reaches point C, switch S3 is depressed by physical contact with the top of the frame of the window being washed and the operating circuit of solenoids SL1 and SL2 is opened. Switch S2 remains operated since it is a push-on push-off switch as above noted. A separate operating circuit is closed for motor M through make contacts S3 of switch S3.

Solenoids SL1 and SL2 release, permitting the washing unit to engage the surface to be washed, terminating the upward movement of the control assembly and causing the rotation of the flexible shaft 37.

When the washing unit is against the surface to be washed and flexible shaft 37 is rotating from the reverse rotation of motor M, the wheels of the washing unit drive the washing unit in the left-hand direction and washing liquid is sprayed through the noted hollow axis of the brushes of the washing unit. The central control assembly is now locked in its uppermost vertical position.

When the washing unit moves away from the righthand limit of the area being washed to point D of FIG. 7, switch S2 releases. This release of switch S2 releases relays C and D but does not stop motor M since it remains energized through make contacts S3 of switch S3.

When the washing unit reaches point E of FIG. 7 which is the left-hand limit of the area being washed, switch S4 is operated as a result of physical contact with the upper left hand section of the frame of the Window being washed. Ground from contacts S4 of switch S4 closes an operating circuit for relay B and contacts S4 of switch S4 closes an operating circuit for relays C and D.

Relay B operates and transfers ground from the reverse winding of motor M to the forward winding causing the motor M to rotate in the forward direction. At the same time, relay C operates and closes an operating circuit for solenoids SL1 and SL2 from wire MG through make contacts C of relay C and break contacts of relay D. Solenoids SL1 and SL2 operate,. removing the washing unit from the surface being washed and causing the central control assembly to move in the downward direction. At this time, the flow of washing liquid is terminated and only the upper squeegee 16 of FIG. 2a contacts the surface being washed. Locking switch S3 remains operated.

After a predetermined delay, at point F of FIG. 7, relay D operates, and at its contacts D releases solenoids SL1 and SL2. The release of the solenoids stops the down- Ward movement of the central control assembly and also returns the washing unit into contact with the surface being washed. Since the motor M is now rotating in the forward direction, the wheels on the washing unit move the unit to the right.

When the washing unit reaches point G of FIG. 7, switch S4 releases and since it no longer physically touches the side of the frame of the window being washed and causes the release of relays C and D. Relay B, does not release since it is now locked operated by restored relay D. Also, the solenoids are not energized since their operating circuit is open by contacts C on relay C. Thus, the washing unit continues washing and moving toward point H of FIG. 7.

When point H is reached, switch S2 is actuated and an operating circuit for relays C and D is closed. Relay C operates immediately but the operation of relay D is delayed as before noted. Master ground is extended through contacts C of relay C and break contacts D of relay D to complete an operating circuit for the solenoids SL1 and SL2. The motor M continues rotating in the forward direction.

Solenoids SL1 and SL2 operate, remove the washing unit from the surface being washed and cause the central control assembly to again advance downwardly carrying the washing unit toward point I of FIG. 7.

When the washing unit reaches point I, relay D operates since its delay interval has expired and the operating circuit of solenoids SL1 and SL2 is opened. At the same time, the locking circuit of relay B is opened at contacts D of relay D.

Relay B restores and energizes the reverse winding of motor M. Also solenoids SL1 and SL2 release, stopping the downward movement of the central control assembly and placing the washing unit into association with the surface being washed. The wheels on the washing unit now rotate in a direction to carry the washing unit toward point I and the left-hand side of the area being washed.

At this time, at point I on the plotted course, the same active elements are energized that were energized at point C of such course. Accordingly, the hereinbefore described operations are repeated and continue to repeat until the washing unit reaches point N of FIG. 7 or point R of FIG. 8, which points represent the position of the washing unit prior to its last washing operation.

Assuming that the vertical dimensions of the surface being washed are such that the washing unit is moving toward the left-hand area limits with less than one or exactly one return operation necessary to completely wash the entire predetermined area. At this time the washing unit will reach point N on the course illustrated in FIG. 7. Also switch S4 will be actuated, the washing unit will be removed from the surface to be washed, the direction of the rotation of motor M will be changed to the forward direction and the central control assembly will descend, all as hereinbefore described when the washing unit reached point E. Switches S1, S3, S4 and relays A, B and C are operated. An operating circuit will be closed for relay D but its operation will be delayed for the noted predetermined interval.

When the washing unit reaches point 0, locking switch S1 will be actuated for the second time, causing a switch off operation. This switch-off action at contacts S1 of switch S1 opens the operate circuit of relays C and D, which release and open the operate circuit of solenoids SL1 and SL2 causing them to release. Relay A releases a short time later and transfers the control of master ground to contacts S2 of switch S2. Relay B remains locked operated. The release of the solenoids cause the washing unit to contact the surface being washed and move in the right'hand direction toward point Y. At point P, switch S4 releases and opens the operate circuit of relay B. Relay B does not release since it is locked to ground at contacts S2 of switch S2. At point P, the motor M continues to rotate in the forward direction, the solenoids are released and only switch S3 and relay B are operated.

When the washing unit reaches point Y, switch S2 is actuated. Relay B does not release since it is now locked to ground at contacts A of relay A. Contacts 52.; on

switch S2 remove ground from the master ground conductor MG. Since switches S2 and S3 are now actuated and relay B is operated, no ground appears on conductor MG and motor M is de-energized, causing the washing uit to come to rest at point Y, the washing of the predetermined area having been completed.

Assuming that the vertical dimension of the surface being washed is such that the washing unit is moving toward point R of FIG. 8, the right-hand area limits, with one transverse operation necessary to completely wash the entire predetermined area. At this time, switch S2 will be actuated, the washing unit will be removed from the surface to be washed, the direction of rotation of motor M will remain in the forward direction and the central control assembly will descend in the manner described when the washing unit reached point H of FIG. 7. Switches S1, S2, S3 and relays A, B and C are operated. An operating circuit is closed for relay D but its operation will be delayed for the noted predetermined interval.

When the washing unit reaches point S, locking switch S1 will be activated for the second time, causing a switchoif operation. This switch-off action opens the operate circuit of relays C and D, which release and open the operate circuit of solenoids SL1 and SL2, causing them to release. The operate circuit of relay A is open but this relay remains operated from locking contacts 2 of operated switch S2. Relay A thus serves as a memory device indicating that the extreme lower left-hand corner of the area to be washed has not been washed. If relay D operated at the same time that switch S1 was reoperated, the locking circuit for relay B would be opened and relay B would release, changing the direction of rotation of motor M. If relay D had insufficient time to operate, the contacts S1 of switch S1 keeps locking ground from relay B causing relay B to release.

The release of the solenoids with motor M rotating in the reverse direction causes the washing unit to advance toward points T and U shown in FIG. 8. At point T switch S2 releases and opens the locking circuit of relay A which restores a short time later. At this time, switch S3 is operated.

When the washing unit reaches point U, switch S4 operates but does not energize the solenoid since contacts S1 of switch S1 are open. Relay B operates and locks to ground at break contacts 3 of now restored relay A. Contacts on relay B cause motor M to change direction of rotation and cause the washing unit to proceed toward point V. When point V is reached, switch S4 restores leaving switch S3 and relay B operated. Such a condition prevails until point Y is reached at which time the washing unit comes to a complete rest as described in connection with point Y of FIG. 7, the unit having completed the washing of the predetermined area.

The operator may now slide the washing unit to the other side of the central motor control assembly and wash a different area without moving the support rod 1. Switches S1 and S3 will have to be manually switched to place them in the same position as they were in connection with point A.

When the inventive device is used to wash a surface not having limit obstructions such as the window frames, limit switches (not shown) may be provided in parallel with switches S1 to S4. These switches will be operated when the washing unit reaches the four outside limits. The actuation of these switches could be controlled by extension brackets placed near the top and bottom of support rod 1 for vertical control and by trip levers mounted on the extension arm sections for horizontal control.

While I have described my invention in conjunction with specific apparatus, it is to be clearly understood that this description is made only by way of example and not as a limitation on the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. An automatic washing device for washing any one of a plurality of substantially flat surfaces of different planar dimensions comprising a washing unit and a control unit, means for supporting said washing unit on said control unit for controlled movement toward and away from said control unit between peripheral limits defining one of said planar dimensions of a surface being washed, means for supporting said control unit for controlled movement between peripheral limits defining the other of said planar directions of a surface being washed, and means responsive to the movement of said washing unit from one of its peripheral limits to the other for moving the said control unit a predetermined distance.

2. An automatic washing device as set forth in claim 1 wherein the movements of said washing unit between its perpheral limits and the movements of said control unit are effected alternately.

3. An automatic washing device as set forth in claim 1 wherein common drive means is provided for moving said wat'ning unit and said control unit and wherein transfer means are provided for connecting the said drive means to the said washing unit and said control unit alternately.

4. An automatic washing device as set forth in claim 3 wherein the said means for supporting said washing unit on said control unit comprises freely moving telescoping means and wherein said washing unit includes separate propelling means actuated by said common drive means.

5. An automatic washing unit as set forth in claim 1 wherein said peripheral limits comprise stationary structures and wherein switch means on said washing unit are actuated responsive to said washing unit reaching said structural limits to control the said movement of the control unit a predetermined distance.

6. An automatic washing device for washing any one of a plurality of substantially flat surfaces of different planar dimensions comprising a control unit and means for supporting it for movement between peripheral limits defining one of said planar dimensions of a surface being washed, a washing unit and means for supporting it on said control unit for movement between peripheral limits defining the other of said planar dimensions of the surface being Washed, and circuit means for controlling the selective movement of said control unit and said washing unit from a start position to a stop position over a predetermined course covering each increment of surface lying within said peripheral limits.

7. An automatic washing device as set forth in claim 6 wherein said predetermined course includes a succession of movements of the washing unit in alternate directions between the associated peripheral limits and includes movements of the control unit and washing unit in a direction normal to the reciprocating movement, the reciprocating movements being a function of distances travelled and the movements normal thereto being a function of a measured time interval.

8. An automatic washing device as set forth in claim 7 wherein the said circuit means includes delay means for generating the said time interval.

9. An automatic washing device as set forth in claim 7 8 wherein means are included in said control means for varying the length of the said generated time interval.

10. An automatic washing device as set forth in claim 6 wherein means are included in said circuit means for precluding continued movement of said washing unit responsive to the washing unit reaching the said stop position.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,693,609 11/1954 Briceno 15250.11

WALTER A. SCHEEL, Primary Examiner.

CHARLES A. WILLMUTH, Examiner. 

1. AN AUTOMATIC WASHING DEVICE FOR WASHING ANY ONE OF A PLURALITY OF SUBSTANTIALLY FLAT SURFACES OF DIFFERENT PLANAR DIMENSIONS COMPRISING A WASHING UNIT AND A CONTROL UNIT, MEANS FOR SUPPORTING SAID WASHING UNIT ON SAID CONTROL UNIT FOR CONTROLLED MOVEMENT TOWARD AND AWAY FROM SAID CONTROL UNIT BETWEEN PERIPHERAL LIMITS DEFINING ONE OF SAID PLANAR DIMENSIONS OF A SURFACE BEING WASHED, MEANS FOR SUPPORTING SAID CONTROL UNIT FOR CONTROLLED MOVEMENT BETWEEN PERIPHERAL LIMITS DEFINING THE OTHER OF SAID PLANAR DIRECTIONS OF A SURFACE BEING WASHED, AND MEANS RESPONSIVE TO THE MOVEMENT OF SAID WASHING UNIT FROM ONE OF ITS PERIPHERAL LIMITS TO THE OTHER FOR MOVING THE SAID CONTROL UNIT A PREDETERMINED DISTANCE. 